IPPA announces apprenticeship program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Pork Producers Association announced a new livestock apprenticeship program that has recently been registered with the U.S. Department of Labor with the help of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

This exciting new apprenticeship opportunity will prepare career seekers to succeed in the role of swine animal care technician.

Participating apprentices will receive competitive compensation that will increase with their skill gains as they move through the program.

Apprentices will also receive a debt-free education and livestock certificate from one of the five participating community colleges, which include:

• Illinois Central College, East Peoria.

•​​​​​​​ John Wood Community College, Quincy.

•​​​​​​​ Kaskaskia College, Centralia.

•​​​​​​​ Lake Land Community College, Mattoon.

•​​​​​​​ Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield.

“These five community colleges were initially selected to participate because they have strong agriculturally based programs and geographically represent a large portion of the swine production in the state,” said Jennifer Tirey, IPPA executive director.

“When I contacted each of the community colleges to gauge interest they were all very excited to participate and work alongside our association to increase job creation within the pork industry.”

The idea was initially explored after an IPPA board member first proposed the idea of a swine technician apprenticeship in early 2025, inspiring IPPA leadership to pursue this workforce strategy on behalf of their producers.

“Trade apprenticeships are very common in the state of Illinois,” Tirey said. “After connecting with Apprenticeship Illinois, they assisted us through the entire registration process.

“We worked with the five community colleges to ensure they had the high-quality curriculum our producers were looking for, and less than six months later we are proud to be rolling out the first livestock-focused apprenticeship program in Illinois.”

Now that the apprenticeship program has been established, IPPA will work with the five participating colleges and the state’s network of localized apprenticeship specialists to promote the program.

Pork producers interested in hosting an apprentice must sign an agreement with the students to offset their tuition costs in exchange for workforce training.

Tuition costs taken on by the participating producers will be offset by the Apprenticeship Illinois Tax Credit, which allows employers up to $5,000 per apprentice per year in reimbursement for training costs.

Students will be expected to work on farm and complete the job competencies outlined in the job position to receive their certificate at the end of the two years.

The goal of the program is to encourage students to choose a career in the livestock industry while attending college and advancing their future goals.

“Registered apprenticeship programs are a win-win for Illinois employers and career seekers alike, and it is a sincere privilege partnering with the Illinois Pork Producers Association to promote this valuable work-based learning opportunity for our rural communities,” said Nate Carlson, state apprenticeship mentor.

“Empowering employers to train and retain skilled talent is at the core of registered apprenticeship, and we are excited to have partners like the IPPA leading the way for their industry.”

Career seekers or producers interested in learning more about this apprenticeship opportunity should reach out to Tirey at jennifer@ilpork.com.